Multiple tension device.



E. F. PARKS. MULTIPLE TENSION DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED FEB-14,1916. I &9? Patented July 17, 1917.

2 SHEETS-SHEET I.

E. F. PARKS. MULTIPLE TENSION DEVICE. APPLICATION man FEB. 14. I9l6- l 33 69? Patented July 17, 1917.;

2 $HEETSSHEET 2- Arroqmqs TlNTTEU @TATFd PATENT MFFTME,

EDWARD F. PARKS, OF PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGN- MENTS, T0 UNIVERSAL WINDING COMPANY, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, A COR PORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS.

MULTIPLE TENSION DEVICE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented July 17, 1917.

Application filed February 14, 1916. Serial No; 78,254.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, EDWARD F. PARKS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Providence, in the county of Providence, State of Rhode Island, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Multiple Tension Devices, of which the following is a specification.

My invention is an automatically-equalizing, multiple tension-device for applying tension to a plurality of strands or yarns in delivering the same to winding-machines or other textile apparatus. The object of my improvement is to provide means for maintaining an equal tension on all of the several yarns of the supply delivering to the machine so that the strands will be doubled or wound in multiple under uniform conditions. My improved device is intended for use particularly in doubling or winding yarns in multiple as a supply for twisters or like machines wherein it is essential that all the strands deliver uniformly under the same tension to insure a smooth and even twist in the ultimate product.

The manner and means for carrying out my improvement are fully described in the following specification, illustrated by the ac companying drawings, in which like reference characters designate like parts. In the drawings Figure 1 is a side elevation of my improved tension-device showing its supporting-frame partly in section to more clearly illustrate the parts mounted thereon Fig. 2, a plan view of the device with its frame shown in section on the line X-X of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3, a rear elevation of the device showing the arrangement of the equalizing-mechanism; and

Figs. 4. and 5, modifications in the arrangement of the equalizing-means for amplifying the range of its adaptability.

In Figs. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings I have illustrated my improved device as adapted for use in applying tension to three strands or yarns, but it will be obvious from the showing ofFigs. t and 5, and the description relating thereto, that the arrangement of the equalizingmeans may be extended or amplified to provide for using the device for a much larger number of single ends or strands, as many, in fact, as may be required for any doubling or cording process.

Referring first to Fig. 1, B designates the main frame or bracket for supporting the tension-device and attaching it to the winding-machine or other apparatus with which it is used. Preferably, the bracket B is of shelf-like structure comprising essentially the horizontal plate or ledge b, the vertical rear-wall b and the upper, curved crown or top-wall 79 At either end are vertical ribs or side-braces b 6 see also Fig. 2, which serve to stiffen the structure and also provide a sort of hollow boX or casing for inclosing and protecting the equalizing-mechr anism arranged at the rear of the frame. Spaced along the rearward edge of the topwall 6 are a number of lugs 12*, I), see Fig. 3, provided with suitable holes 5 for receiving the screws or bolts by which the frame is attached to the windingor other machine.

At the rear of the shelf or ledge 79 are a series of bosses b see Fig. 1, provided with vertical holes 6 which aline with corresponding holes 6 drilled through the overlying ears or lugs 6 which project from the front of the curved upper-wall 79 The holes 6 b in the bosses b and lugs b are adapted to receive the vertical rods or hingepins p on which the swinging tension-memhers T, T are pivoted as later described. As shown in Fig. 2, the frame B is adapted to support hinge-pins for three separate sets of tension-members T, T, but as before indicated it may be arranged to accommodate a greater number as required.-

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the shelf 1) is cut away at its outer edge to form V-shaped, flaring openings 0, 0, etc., adapted to receive the yarns to guide them into place between the opposite tension-members T, T. The openings 0 lead into relatively narrow slots 8, s, etc, which extend across the shelf throughout approximately half its width and are rounded at their inner ends. On the under side of the rear portion of the shelf 6 are a series of strengthening ribs 12 which reach'up a slight distance in back of the rear-wall Z) to provide a reinforcement for the angle-portion of the structure. The ribs 6 are located in alinement with the yarn-slots s and reach out to points adjacent their ends where they are rounded: off; in a vertical plane to provide a smooth bearingsurface for the yarns g to draw across as shown in Fig. 1. In other words, the ends of the ribs 6 serve as abutments across 7 which the yarns y draw as they lead up between the tension-members T, T, thus pro viding a more extended wearing-surface at the ends of the slots 8.

The tension-members T, T are of usual construction made in the form of sheetmetal plates cut away along their sides to provide the alternating, lateral bars t, t.

. Preferably the outer edges of the plates T,

. plates T, T are bowed outwardly slightly as shown in Fig. 2 to provide an elongated T are bent back at an angle to their sides to provide the divergent wings t, 6" which correspond to the flaring edges of the openings 0 in the shaft 6. The opposed sides of the opening or trough between them for the reception of the yarns y. The rearward edges of the plates T, T are also inclined outwardly to a slight extent and at the top and bottom are formed with ears (3, t bent over atright-angles and provided with holes for receiving thepivot-pin p. The ears 2?, t of each pair'of tension-plates are arranged to overlap one another with the lower ones resting on the bosses b. In this manner the plates T, T are hinged on the pivot-pins p to swing about vertical axes so that their opposite sides may be moved toward and away from each other. As before indicated the cross-bars t of the opposite plates T, T are arranged in staggered'relation or alternating, so that-when the yarn 3 is pressed between them itis caused to follow a more or less sinuous course across the bars. The degree of sinuosity of the yarn regulates the amount of tension applied to its draft and is controlled by the pressure tending to force the plates togetheras usually provided. The

means for'a'pplying pressure to the tensionmembers T, T and the arrangement for maintainingit constant and uniform for all of the several tension-devices forms the novel and essentialfeature of the present improvement and will next be described.

Referring particularly to Figs. 2 and 8, a horizontal red C extends across the frame B at the rear of its wall I) with its ends secured in suitable holes in the side-walls L, etc.

of the vertical wall Pivotally mounted on the rod Cat the rear of the'several pairs of tensionmembers -T,'Tv are a series of pressure levers L,

Ashere' shown the levers L are preferably constru'ctedofsheet metal bent in the form of inverted, U-shaped loops which straddle the rod'C to The front portions levers L' hang down Fig. 1. The sides of the openings [1 clear the sides of the arms Z, Z to allow for a free movement of the levers L and a clearance space is also provided at the top and bottom to permit the levers to rock slightly on the red C. At their forward ends the arms Z, Z of each lever L are bent inwardly at Z Z to adapt them to enter between the divergent sides of the tension-plates T, T. In this manner a sort of wedge is provided on the front end of each lever L arranged to act against the rear edges of the plates T, T to press their sides together when the lever is rocked as later described. The opposite side Z of each lever L extends downwardly beyond the lower end of the side Z and is bent rearwardly at right-angles to form a horizontal arm or extension Z". Referring to Fig. 2, the arms Z' are provided at their ends with lateral slots Z adapted to receive the hooked ends of links D, D through which.

the levers L are connected to be operated from a weight or its equivalent.

As illustrated in Fig. 3 there are two links D, D connecting the three levers L and these are preferably constructed of relatively light wire bent to the form required. Each link D is formed with a U-shaped hook (Z at its inner end adapted to hook through the slot Z? in the central lever L while at its opposite end is a reversely-bent, elbow-shaped hook d arranged to engage the slot Z in the outer lever L. The links D are hooked through the levers L by tilting the latter sidewise before they are set in place on the suspension-rodC. After the levers L have thus been connected their forward ends are inserted through the openings 72 in the frame B and the rod C is then strung through their loops and its ends secured in place in the sidewalls b b The openings 6, while permitting a free, rocking movement of the levers L to a limited extent, at the same time prevent them from being displaced from the rod C and the form of the hooks at the ends of the links D also provides against accidental removal of the links after the parts are once in place.

Referring still to Fig. 3, it will be noted that the links D are bent downwardly between their ends to form two inclined sides d d which meet at a point d forming the apex of the angle. It is also to be observed that the apex d of the angular sides cl, is at a greater distance from the inner end of the link than from the outer end, or to be. exact, at a point two-thirds of the distance from the inner to the outer end of the link. The purpose of this proportionate dividing of the links D will be made apparent in the explanation of the operation of the equalizing-mechanism. As before indicated the pressure on the tension-members T T is applied through the means of a weight or its equivalent which in some cases might be a spring. For most purposes, however, it is preferable to employ a weight W, as illustrated in Fig. 3, and this is suspended on the connecting-links D by means of a hooked bail F The bail F consists simply of a length of wire formed with hooks f, j at its ends and doubled on itself at the center to form a depending extension f bent around into the reinforced hook F. The extension f is adapted to support one or more weights W which are preferably of semicircular form and disk-like in shape with openingsw at the top to receive the hook F. The two end-hooks f, f of the bail F are adapted to hook over the connecting links D, D, the length of the bail being proportioned to provide for the engagement of the hooks with the apex points at, 03 The reason for proportioning the opposite sides of the links D, D with a ratio of two to one will now be obvious. Since the central tension-operating or pressure-lever L is connected to the inner ends of both links D, D it would receive the greater proportion of the load of the weight W if the bail F were connected to the links midway of their ends. I/Vith the present arrangement, however, the bail F is connected to each link D at a point twice as far away from the central lever L as from the outer levers L so that its leverage on the links is proportioned to distribute the load of the weight equally to all three levers. In other words, the weight W will cause the same. pressure on the central lever L through the double connection therewith of both links D as through the single connection of each link to the outer lever L. In this manner a single weight or series of weights suspended on the bail F is caused to exert thesame force on each of the several levers L so that a uniform amount of pressure is transmitted to all of the several sets of tension-plates T, T.

Fig. 4 illustrates an adaptation of the connecting-links and weightsuspending bail for a series of four tension-devices. With this arrangement the tension-levers L, L, etc, are spaced equidistantly apart and two links D, D are employed for connecting them in pairs. The bail F is proportioned to engage each of the links D midway of its ends so that the load of the weight W is divided equally between all of the levers L.

In Fig. 5 I have illustrated a still further modification of the arrangement of the equalzing-means for adapting it to five individual tension-devices. As here shown the two outer pairs of tension-levers L are con nected by short links D D to the centers of which are coupled the outer ends of two longer links D D having their inner ends both hooked into the central. lever L. The bail F hooks over the links D D at points distant from their inner ends in the ratio of four to one as to their length. Through this arrangel'nent the links D D proportion the load of the weight W to apply onefifth of the whole to each of the tension-levers L as follows: Stated specifically, the load of the weight W is first divided into two equal parts by the bail F one half of the whole being applied at each of its ends to each of the links D This part is then divided by the proportioning of the links I) to apply one-fifth part of one-half or one-tenth of the whole at the inner end of the link D and four-fifths of one-half or fourtenths at the outer end. This fourtenths part of the load is again divided equally by the short link D so that each lever L of the outer pair receives one-half of four-tenths or one-fifth of the whole load. On the other hand, as both links D are connected to the central lever L, the onetenth part of the load applied by each is 'multiplied by two, making it one-fifth the whole or equal to that applied to each of the other levers. In other words, each lever L receives an equal proportion or one-fifth of the whole load of the weight W so that the pressure is distributed uniformly to all of the several sets of tension-members T, T. While I have herein shown the preferred method for connecting the several levers for three, four and five tension-devices, it is obvious that other combinations might be employed and further amplifications made in the arrangment to extend the range of adaptability of the equalizing-mechanism.

The method of operation of the complete device is as follows: The yarns y are led up from the supply-cops or bobbins, not here shown, and drawn into the guiding-slots s to enter them between the opposite tensionplates T, T of each tension-device. From the tension-devices the yarns lead up over a pulley or roll, as usually provided, and thence to the rotating winding-spindle through the reciprocating thread-guide. As the yarns g are wound onto the winding spindle in multiple the individual strands drawing across the bars of the tension-plates T, T are caused to follow a sinuous course, dueto the pressure on the plates tending to force them together, and in this 'way the tension or resistance to the draft of the yarn is applied individually to each single end. The amount of tension applied to each yarn is regulated by the number of weights W applied to the suspension-bail F in accordance with the requirements for different varieties of material. For instance, with very fine yarns a single weight W is employed to give a light tension, but for coarser yarns more weights may be added to increase the tension. In anycase, however, the weights are applied at one point only, instead of individually to each separate tension-device, and their load is distributed uniformly so they will all be wound under the same tension. This provision is most important, as before mentioned, to insure that the several yarns will deliver from thepackage 1n multiple under even tension to give a uniform twist in the ultimate product for which the yarns are intended. Heretofore it has been the practice to deliver the yarns through individual tension-devices which are arranged witha separate pressure-means acting on each. Usually each tension-device has'its pressure-meansoperated by its own individual tension-weight or spring and the amount of tension must be adjusted separately for each strand. With such an arrangement it is practically imposs ble to adjust all of the tension-devices 1nd1v1dually to apply the same degree of tension, and hence the tension under which the yarns are wound can not be maintained uniform for all of the ends. .Inexperienced or careless operatives will inadvertently apply one weight to one tension-device and several to another, and the result will be that some of,

yarns are wound under a relatively heavy tension while others are unduly slack. The

effect of this appears in the finished product, causing stretching and straining of some of the strands and corkscrews or loose places in the twist, which weaken the *yarn. With my present invention the yarns are 'controlled uniformly so that all of the ends deliver from the multiple supplypackage under the same tension giving a more even and uniform twist which makes for an improved product.

I the; degree of tensionis kept from fluctuating. When a slub, bunch or enlargement passes through any one of the tension-devices the tension-members T, T, are free to yield oropen up to allow its passage without disturbing the relation of the tensionplates of the other sets. Furthermore the main weightor set of weights W applied to the whole series of tension-devices is much heavier than the small weights applied individually to each device according to the usualmethod, and therefore the inertia of c the pressuremeans is greater and less liable to disturbance. I That is to say, where small, individual weights are used for each set of tension-members their inertia is more easily overcome and hence sllghtlrregularltles 1n the 1 yarns drawing between the tensionplates will setup a vibration or cause chats 'terin'g which results in variations in the tension applied to-the yarns. With the pres- .ent, arrangement of a single, centralized weight orset of weights acting on all of the tension-devices in unison the parts are more stable and less easily disturbed, so that the tension applied is more constant and equable.

Various modifications might be made in the form and construction of the parts of my improved device without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention; therefore, without limiting myself to the exact embodiment shown and described, what I claim is 1. In a multiple tension-device, the combination with a plurality of separate independently operable tension-means for individually applying tension to each of a series of strands, of means for equalizing the action of the several tension-means to provide for a uniform degree of tension on all of the strands.

2. In a. multiple tension-device, the combination with a plurality of separate independently operable tension-means for applying tension individually to each of a series of strands, of means for adjusting all of the several tension-means in unison, and means to equalize the action of the different tension-means to apply the same degree of tension to all of the strands.

3. In a. multiple tension-device, the combination with a plurality of independently operable tension-means for individually applying tension to each of a series of separate strands, of a single means for controlling the action of the several tension-devices in unison, and means to equalize the action of the different tensiondevices to provide for the same degree of tension 011 all of the strands.

4:. In a multiple tension-device, the combination with a plurality of separate independently operable tension-means adapted to apply pressure individually to each of a series of strands to control the tension of their draft, of pressure-means acting on the tension-means and means for equalizing the amount of pressure applied by the several tension-means to maintain a uniform tension on all of the strands.

5. In a multiple tension-device, the combination with a series of sets of independently operable tension-members adapted to apply tension individually to a plurality of separate strands, of means to operate the tension-members in unison, means to equalize the action of the several sets of tensionmembers, and a single means for controlling the operating-means to provide for the same degree of tension on all of the strands.

6. In a multiple tension-device, the combination with a plurality of sets of independently. movable tension-members each adapted to operate upon a single strand drawing across them, of means to operate the tension-members to cause resistance to the draft-of the strands, a single pressuremeans for controlling the tension-operating means in unison, and means to equalize the action of the pressure-means on the several sets of 'tensionmembers to apply a uniform degree of tension to all. of the strands.

7. In a multiple tension-device, the combination with a series of sets of independently yieldable tension-members each adapted to bear upon a single strand drawing across them, of meansto apply pressure to the tension-members to cause resistance to the draft of the strands, and means to control the pressuremeans to equalize its action on the tension-members to maintain a uniform tension on all of the strands.

8. In a multiple tension-device, the combination with a plurality of sets of tension members each adapted to operate upon a single strand drawing across them, of means to operate the tension-members to cause resistance to the draft of the strands, a pressure-means for controlling the tension-operating means, and means to equalize the effect of the pressure-means on the tensionmembers to provide for a uniform degree of tension on all of the strands.

9. In a multiple tensiondevice, the -combination with a plurality of sets of independently yieldable tension-members each adapted to operate on a single strand drawing across them, of a separate operatingmember for each of the sets of tension-members, a single means for actuating all of the several operating-members, and means to equalize the action of the actuating-means on the operating-members to cause the tension-members to apply a uniform degree of tension to all of the strands.

10. In a multiple tension-device, the combination with a series of sets of tensionmembers each adapted to operate on a single strand drawing across them, of a separate lever for operating each set of tension-members, means for applying pressure to all of the operating-levers in unison while allowing the independent movement of any one of them, and means to equalize the pressure on the operating-levers to distribute it uniformly to the tension-members to cause them to apply the same degree of tension to all of the strands.

11. In a multiple tension-device, the combination with a series of sets of tensionmembers each adapted to operate on a single strand drawing across them, of a separate element for operating each set of tensionmembers, means for connecting the operating-elements to act in unison while allowing them to move independently with respect to each other, means for applying pressure to the operating-elements and means to equalize the pressure on the operating elements to distribute it uniformly to the tension-members to maintain a uniform tension on all the strands.

12. In a multiple tension-device, the combination with a series of sets of tensionmembers each adapted to operate on a single strand drawing across them, of a separate pressure-lever for operating each set of tension-members, links for connecting the pressure-levers in pairs, a weight for applying pressure to the levers, and means for suspending the weight on the links to cause the levers to act in unison to apply an equal amount of pressure on all of the sets of tension-members.

13. In a multiple tension-device, the combination with a plurality of pairs of tensionmembers, of a series of levers arranged to operate the tension-members of each pair to cause them to apply tension to the strands drawing across them, a series of links connecting the levers in pairs, a weight, and a bail for suspending the weight on the links to apply pressure to the levers, said bail arranged to distribute the load of the weight to equalize the action of the tension-members to apply a uniform amount of tension to all of the strands.

14. In a multiple tension-device, the combination with a plurality of pairs of pivoted tension-members, of levers to operate the tension-members to cause them to apply tension to the strands drawing across them, links for connecting the levers in pairs, a weight, and a bail for suspending the weight on the links to distribute its load on the lever to apply an equal pressure on all of the tension-members.

15. In a multiple tension-device, the combination with a frame provided with a boxlike casing at its rear and a projecting shelf on its front having yarn-slots, of a series of sets of tension-members pivoted above the slots in the shelf, a series of levers at the rear of the frame projecting through the front of the casing to operate the tension-members, means within the casing for connecting the ends of the levers, and a weight suspended on said means to operate the levers in unison to apply pressure to the tension-members to tension the strands drawing therethrough.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

EDWARD F. PARKS.

Witnesses:

HERBERT K. ALLARD, Gno. A. WHm, Jr.

Gopies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents. Washington, D. G. 

